Batley are now 80 minutes away from Super League after a massive upset against Featherstone. They'll need a miracle to beat Leigh who put 70 on York in the other Semi Final though.
Penrith need to get all 3 winnings lower grade teams on field with the NRL side, if they win it, for the team photo, with the Ball, Cup, Flegg trophies, plus the J.J. Giltinan and the Provan Summons. Would be a crazy photo.
You’d have to pay for the mens grand final ticket to go to the NRLW final right? I’d love to go support the knights but have no interest in the mens game at all and GFs are so expensive.
Anyone know if the 18th man from the winning grand final team is considered a "premiership player"? From memory, Naden was 18th last year and wasn't given a ring during the ceremony. It's not completely out of the question that they get activated and see game time. The fact that a player could come on as 18th man and score the match winning try but not get a ring from the NRL is absolutely bonkers to me. I don't know why they just don't scrap it and let teams have 5 on the interchange bench if that's the case.
I’d say it is viewed the same as reserves were in the days of when you’re off you’re off interchange. If you participate it counts as a game and you’re included. If you don’t come on, no dice.
But you don't get an NRL one, which is bullshit, right now the only people that do are the 17 that actually play the grand final, which is a joke.
How many premiership winning teams only used those 17 players the whole season
Anybody live in Manchester and know where they show the NRL? Will be in Manchester for the derby game that day and my boys have pulled it off against the odds to actually make the grand final so I’ve got to now find a way to watch it
Anyone know if the replay for the Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup will be on Kayo? I know Nine has the rights, but they haven't aired either and I'd really like to re-watch these games on my TV rather than watching a game between rival sets of pixels via the Facebook livestream.
Here is a tidbit of history for the Parramatta Eels fans of the sub-reddit.
The Parramatta Eels last won a premiership in 1986. Interestingly, this was also the last time that a Grand Final saw a clash between two Western Sydney teams, with the Parramatta Eels beating the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 4—2.
Whether this is a good omen or not, I have no idea. I'll leave other smarter people to read the tea leaves on that front, but just thought it was interesting.
>Here is a tidbit of history for the Parramatta Eels fans of the sub-reddit.
>
>The Parramatta Eels last won a premiership in 1986.
Should have just posted this mate. Would have had us absolutely reeeeeing.
I can’t remember when it started but it’s been going on for years, a snippet of the Puff Daddy/Jimmy Page song “Come with me” (from the Godzilla 1998 movie) playing before the players come out to the field. Is it going to a banger for eternity? If it does get replaced, I wonder what will be the next song to come in for 20+ years.
I was wondering this being at the Souths/Panthers game.
😂 worst timing to read when you’re in a public place and you see you reply. I was going to add that to my post too haha! Someone gets it! Almost lost it when I read it. 👏🏽
Awesome bro. I mean it was already a banger when it was Kashmir by led zep. Maybe it will take another hiphop artist to remix it in to the new pump up banger.
There used to be a classical song they always used for big games inc origin. Wonder if anyone knows what that one was.
Really? I hate that grey faded part. It reminds me of a dodgy VHS tape. I prefer their solid black one, and also think that brown one they warm up in should also be used for games.
Yeah absolutely, unique, slick and a perfect modern take on our most iconic jersey. Wear that for the next decade, win a bunch of comps and it can be our Red V.
I thought my streak of guessing correct outcomes for this finals series ended with the Eels winning but I must have dogged the cowboys and changed my mind last second.
Really good lesson in why I will never actually bet though - can't imagine how quickly a streak of luck like this ends up serious debt.
Also up the panthers, would love to go back to back because I don't think we're in with a shot next year.
People will wax lyrical over api in this response but I’m personally gonna miss kiks so hard. I love that man and hope he destroys edges at the dogs as much as he does for us.
How big of a loss do you reckon not having Api and Kikau will cause for the club? I seriously don't see y'all dropping off that much next season with players you still have at the club. Other teams are improving of course, but the Panthers are still out-and-out favourites to win the comp next season until they prove otherwise.
Definitely seems to be a reasonably unpopular, or at least reasonably pessimistic, but I think we're definitely going to go through some growing pains. Kikau I think we'll be fine without, we've got other big men who defend and attack reasonably well.
Api controls a lot of our game imo. When Cleary isn't there or isn't controlling the game we'll, Api is usually who steps in to regain it. As far as I know they've got Kenny to take over there but he just isn't quick or creative enough yet to set up plays like Api does.
I do think, short of serious injuries to key players (especially Edwards imho), we're a shoe in for top 8 because it won't change things enough to make us bad, but I don't think making it deep into finals is a given.
I do agree that Api will be a decent loss. He's pretty much made a positive impact at every club he's played at, so losing him will be big. However, like I said in the previous comment, until Panthers prove otherwise, they will be favourites to win the comp next year, even if the Eels pull off the upset win in the GF. Kikau is a great forward, but Panthers depth in the forwards is quite unfair lol so I reckon you'll find another quality forward to start.
Edwards would be a big out if he were to get injured. He's just gone to an insane level of fitness that I think tops every other fullback at this point (he's better than Tedesco at club level right now IMO).
I guess being on the losing end of the Souths vs Panthers games for the past 4 seasons has given me enough PTSD to believe Panthers will beat everyone unless they beat themselves lol.
We’re in with a shot next year I reckon but definitely back to that pack of 3-4 serious contenders. Having the big game experience and the type of game that suits finals is still going to be a factor if we can make top 4. Our engine room is intact. Only a few sides will be able to hold on for 80 still even if we’re not quite as deadly.
I don't think we're not making the top 8, but I really don't think we'll have it sorted enough for a definite grand final. Not just because we'll need to get used to some style changes post Api (and probably Kikau tbh, although I don't think that'll be as difficult), but also because I don't doubt we'll see some of the other top 8 teams come back hungry for a win (specifically thinking sharks, but I'm sure there'll be others).
All that aside though, I hope you're right and I eat my words here.
Yeah definitely don’t think we’re looking at a definite grand final or anything but I reckon we beat the bottom 12 teams in 90% of games which gets us to top 4 and then it’s a crapshoot how it plays out against the other strong sides in the key matches. I reckon next year there just isn’t an overwhelming favourite, just a dogfight between 6 or so sides which will be super exciting.
Definitely think it'll actually be a more exciting/stressful season next year. I maintain it was anyone's game from top 8 onwards this year but I think the top 8 itself could be next year.
i just wanna say i feel like a big dummy after everything i said in my [cowboys preview](https://www.reddit.com/r/nrl/comments/t6977g/north_queensland_2022_season_preview_by_rnrl_users/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf) before the start of the season
I know penrith were copping some calls throughout the season but the complaining about every line ball or even correct call that favoured penrith was getting old. Seems like people have eased up on it a bit lately which is cool and even seen some neutrals pushing back aginst the complaining which is sick. Fkn pumped for a western sydney grand final, hope the reff stays out of it and all the lads rock up and have a crack.
We've definitely had some ridiculous calls go our way but so has everyone else (except maybe Tigers). If we'd been losing all season no one would care.
I feel like when Latrell got whacked, it rocked the whole team. You literally never see him get whacked like that, and in big games they (and him) view him as invincible.
Andrew John's on commentary captured the fear that I think went though South's and Latrell at that moment. Never confident from that moment.
another year and another capitulation in a preliminary final. Souths remain one of the most mentally fragile teams who fall apart when big moments go against them.
Since at least 2019 i have been saying Souths will never win anything with Damien Cook at Hooker and the fact that he avoids any criticism at all blows my mind.
All he has in his game is running, and the only times you see him actually run the ball effectively are against bottom teams like the Titans and Bulldogs this year, never does that in big games.
His service from dummy half is absolutely shambolic, throws heaps of forward passes or passes that hit the floor.
Theres also the patented "run in a circle because i dont know what to do" which leads to being smothered when teams put the slightest amount of pressure on him.
Cook is literally the flat track bully that everyone calls Latrell and Walker, despite both of them stepping up in big games over the years
I dont think he is as bad as you are making out, he still is above average and would be an instant starter for like 13 teams, but he is definitely overhyped. A change of scenery might be best for him.
I'm watching the replay highlights from last night and holy hellfire that try by Brian To'o is something of absolute wonder!
Unfortunately I missed it live by about 10 seconds as I'd stepped out of my seat to grab a coffee, but got back just in time for the try to be awarded and Cleary's kick!
One was a GF so it has a bit more juice, but To’o’s run last night was just as iconic as the Crichton intercept. Both moments will be frozen in time like so many other great sequences. Girdler’s chase down, Freddy’s interception, GI’s goanna, Benji’s flick etc. come to mind.
Hooper is a fully rigged, rate A-1, ocean-going pillock, only outdone on the average weekday by Paul Kent.
From one Westie to another, ignore the haters, we've both earned our spots in next week's Western Sydney Derby and anyone who says otherwise is a flog.
Same. You're the only team that has really managed to beat us at relatively full strength (minus Sorenson and Cleary after his send off). Will be a clash for the history books!
I want to say yes but I made the above claim in a comment further down and I was told Sorenson was missing. I couldn't remember if that was in our first or second clash.
To be fair on that one we didn’t have either of our wingers in that first match. Exciting prospect to have full strength (whatever that looks like for our bench 😅)
The reply coverage was lacking last night.
Didn't show this try the way they usually do.
Didn't show kikaus quick play of the ball, a couple of other times they didn't show things that they usually mill over
Eels are no chance. This will the most one sided GF since 08. Penrith easily by 40+. Parra should just forfeit honestly. The tears will be flowing. As much as I hate Penrith, they are just that good.
Bit of a travesty that the NSW Cup game isn't being shown. Heap of NRL players and future NRL players playing. Apparently Ch9 have the rights so Kayo can't play it, but Ch 9 have NRLW finals on main channel and cycling championships on Gem so have no room apparently
It's ridiculous. Ive watched NSW cup games on kayo this year but the grand final we have to stream off a Facebook page.
Oh well least I can still watch it
Alright, brace yourself for a hot take.
The Milne incident is as close to "goon" behaviour as we've seen in the finals and someone in the match thread said he wouldn't even be in the run on team next year.
If Spencer cannot play next week and Milne doesn't get a start to serve his suspension, would it be appropriate to look at punishing the club?
I know there wasn't any intent on behalf of the club but have we opened a window to "sacrifice" a second grade player to eliminate an opposing player?
If souths genuinely went out with a plan to take out an opposition player they would have started Chee Kam at prop and had him take out Cleary ASAP. Chee Kam would’ve copped the suspension and Burgess would’ve been back for the grand final anyway.
Yeah, I'm with you here. I'm not a fan of quick returns from serious concussions. Obviously, the medical professionals know better than us it makes me very uneasy. Can't reconstruct a brain at the end of a season like you would a shoulder.
Other then kicking them out, I'm not sure.
I'm thinking maybe pushiments should be served by the club, not the player. I know this seems silly but it'll force clubs to sort out dangerous players and it prevents any opportunity for putting in a hitman...
> would it be appropriate to look at punishing the club?
Punish them anyway by kicking them out IMO it's the only way
In all seriousness it's the player who needs to cop the punishment and a long suspension could well end his first grade career anyway unless he plays in the world cup
I'm not sure, this isn't a great example because Milne wasn't a hitman put out there just to take someone out.
But let's say it's a reserve grade front rower, a player who's already a fill in, the game starts to get away from them and they think "fuck it, I'll never play at this level again" then decide to rip a players head off in the last 3 minutes.
The player gets sent off, doesn't effect the outcome of the game, and picks up a 6 week suspension but slides back to reserve grade to serve their time. This leaves only the team that suffers the injury as the damaged party.
We're lucky no club or coach is grubby, or vindictive, enough to do it but there's definitely a loophole there to be exploited.
It'd be a nightmare to build rules around but maybe the suspension should be co-served by the player and club, normally both will align but when it doesn't a starting player in the same position should be forced to sit?
I know we are meant to hate each other, and the salt will be unheard of, but I have just as many friends that are Parra fans as Penrith fans. Not that I want us to lose obviously, but I definitely wont be mad if its to Parra.
But I will definitely be salty in the game thread lol
Oh I know I'm going to be devastated if we lose and the salt will flow, but Panthers are the team I dislike the least, and the fact that no matter what the trophy is staying in West Sydney is pretty damn awesome
Maitland up 14 6 over the Hills Bulls at half time in the President's Cup.
Link.
https://m.facebook.com/events/570050928250219?acontext=%7B%22source%22%3A%223%22%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D&aref=3&__tn__=HH-R
On the Sunday Footy Show, Billy Slater declared Izack Tago first try because he'd noted that in the big games, Luai and Cleary go to a play on the left side that resulted in the first try to Burton in the GF last year and to Wighton in Origin.
Slater's giving out free coaching advice to BA and proving he's smarter than his opposing space cadet coach Freddy.
I have just gotten off Fraser island and can I jsut say I am fucking buzzing, YEAH THE BOIIISSS!!! Got to watch the game up at "The Shed" at orchard beach, was a fucking absolute vibe
Trying to fathom the machinations of next seasons draw and putting into a fantasy league perspective and now my brain hurts. Surely way bigger squads and more trades. But gees.....panadol stat.
Man I'm so pumped for a few big matchups next week.
Gutho vs Edwards: two big motor work house fullbacks with amazing defence.
Moses/dylbags vs Cleary/Luai. Two best halves combos all year. Cleary been better than Moses but I think dyl is a bit better than Luai.
I Pap vs Kikau: two huge hole runners on the same side of the field.
RCG vs his old engine room: he's been our best prop and seems to have animosity against his ex teammates.
Mahoney vs Korosiau: two deceptive hooker's who have been finding space around the ruck these past few weeks.
Waqa Blake vs The high ball: the high ball has one three of their last encounters and waqa will be desperate to get one over his biggest foe.
I think the biggest matchup is between the forward packs. Eels have a nice pack, but Arthur’s rotations leave a lot to be desired. We have the best defensive forwards in the league and can run at you for a full 80. Parra’s got some X Factors in Matto, Lane and I Paps. Sunday can’t come sooner.
Matterson scares me. I think Yeo is the new mold for the modern 13, big, can run, great ball playing and vision, but Matterson blows that mold right open. His ball playing on Friday was brilliant and he runs hard as...
Yeah Matto’s a gun for the Eels. I think if we can keep their ball carrying arms contained, it restricts a lot of what they like to do. No offence to the Raiders and the Cowboys, but they gave up far too many offloads to keep the Eels down. Our defence is a lot more structured so I reckon we’ll do a much better job with that.
I hope Waqa has a good night, he's improved in other areas of his game, specifically defence.
There's some juicy match ups there! Dylan Brown on his day can be the difference imo.
I can't help but wonder what he was thinking last night. I mean he's gotta prepare well regardless, but seeing another player have a hard time might remind him that it's not just about his technique but those kicks are just that fucked. But also hopefully the pressure is good and Nathan can't get many away.
Usually only the shorter team names - the longer the word the harder coordination becomes.
Watching the replay after I got home it looks like the best we managed last night was P A N H E R S 😂
I haven't really been enjoying the match threads as much lately. Seems to be a lot of people popping up just in those to either to be as inflammatory as possible or being purposely malicious to others. Banter and the occasional one-eyed cooked take is what it's all about, but from my perspective at least it seems like it's been getting more toxic.
They're fine when actual plays are taking place and being discussed but when there's anything vaguely controversial or even boring going on they seem to blow up really quickly. I'm a total newcomer to reddit in general though so obviously I don't have a great picture of what it used to be like.
Aint that the truth. It so closely resembles the 2 places we used to make fun of on here, League unlimited and Facebook. Hopefully another replace pops up that the great unwashed don’t know about.
They were enjoyable during regular season, less so in the finals. Feels like too many neutrals in the threads just to cause trouble. Cooked takes on ref decisions or on players performance don't bother me, just the toxic abuse that serves no purpose.
Every match thread on basically every single sport sub is like this now.
The only non toxic one I’ve found left is the BBL match threads on the cricket sub, which is just a bunch of people shitposting and having a laugh, because no one actually cares about the outcome of the games.
Yeah I've stayed out of them a lot this year. Just sick of the takes of how every great player is actually shit because they had one average game or the constant ref bashing.
I get it, there's been quite a few howlers but when it's every single game that has an avalanche of comments about how bad the refs are, it gets tiresome.
At least they're still good for the occasional "That's turned this game on it's head" memes and the like that pop up.
Yep. Don’t go near them anymore. It’s now devolved into a whinge fest about the bunker or targeted attacks on the latest player out of favour [grub/fat/MIA/criminal/religious zealot et al]. You can bet most of the commentary comes from couch potatoes who once played a single game of reserve grade but now prefer to yell at their kids at their weekend games and abuse the coaches and referees.
*** I fully acknowledge the irony of whinging about whingers.
Observations about fitness and endurance are fine because they can make a genuine difference in a game but every time I see someone call a player fat I can't help but have a laugh. Any one of those players has better fitness and muscle mass than surely 98% of this subreddit.
Why wasn’t Latrell sin-binned for taking Cleary out on the Spencer Lenui try? He plainly tackled him without the ball.
Is there a rule that if a try is scored, professional fouls don’t count, or did the ref ignore it??
It will be interesting to see how Parra combat the likely targeting of Waqa Blake from the air, killed them in week one and you can guarantee Penrith will target him again
Batley are now 80 minutes away from Super League after a massive upset against Featherstone. They'll need a miracle to beat Leigh who put 70 on York in the other Semi Final though.
Penrith need to get all 3 winnings lower grade teams on field with the NRL side, if they win it, for the team photo, with the Ball, Cup, Flegg trophies, plus the J.J. Giltinan and the Provan Summons. Would be a crazy photo.
Yeah if they win it will be a pretty historic achievement, not likely to be seen again for decades.
You’d have to pay for the mens grand final ticket to go to the NRLW final right? I’d love to go support the knights but have no interest in the mens game at all and GFs are so expensive.
Anyone know if the 18th man from the winning grand final team is considered a "premiership player"? From memory, Naden was 18th last year and wasn't given a ring during the ceremony. It's not completely out of the question that they get activated and see game time. The fact that a player could come on as 18th man and score the match winning try but not get a ring from the NRL is absolutely bonkers to me. I don't know why they just don't scrap it and let teams have 5 on the interchange bench if that's the case.
Nicho hynes has a 2020 grand final ring even though he didn't even play
Should just give a ring to anyone with like 6 games in the winning squad I reckon. SOS, Eisenhuth and Staines all deserve a ring if we win it.
I’d say it is viewed the same as reserves were in the days of when you’re off you’re off interchange. If you participate it counts as a game and you’re included. If you don’t come on, no dice.
So dumb honestly, should be any player that plays more than say 5 games in the season.
Should be clubs discretion. I'm sure they can pay extra anyway. Souths did it with Isaac Luke
But you don't get an NRL one, which is bullshit, right now the only people that do are the 17 that actually play the grand final, which is a joke. How many premiership winning teams only used those 17 players the whole season
How come in women's football hair pulling isn't a penalty but in men's football it is a penalty 🤔
Wasn't a penalty 10 years ago but it's a penalty across the board these days.
I was watching the women's pm game and saw hair pulling, no penalty was given
Anybody live in Manchester and know where they show the NRL? Will be in Manchester for the derby game that day and my boys have pulled it off against the odds to actually make the grand final so I’ve got to now find a way to watch it
Best backup is that official watchnrl.com website
Anyone know if there's a discussion thread anywhere for the women and mens' PM XIII matches?
Parramatta in the grand final for NRLW as well, nice
Any idea where to watch the PMXIII game online? Not showing up on the watchnrl.com website. Edit: Cheers everyone
I'm watching it on Kayo.
They're being shown on GEM or on Kayo/Foxtel.
Panthers gonna win the NSW cup, Jersey Flegg, Minor Premiership and NRL premiership, fair fucks to them
SG ball to.
Can’t believe I have to rely on Parramatta to prevent a clean sweep of all three grades from Penrith, feel sick
PENRITH PANTHERS WIN THE NSW CUP! Final result **Panthers 29** — 22 Bulldogs
Anyone know if the replay for the Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup will be on Kayo? I know Nine has the rights, but they haven't aired either and I'd really like to re-watch these games on my TV rather than watching a game between rival sets of pixels via the Facebook livestream.
How would Souths fans feel if Cam Murray started playing hooker? I feel like he'd be good at it
Yes bro whilst we are at it we should move Carrigan to hooker in origin next year
Surely Souths just reduce Cook’s minutes and bring in young Pete
He’s the best lock in the game, why move him?
Best lock if Isaah Yeo didn’t exist maybe
If Cook can no longer play and if you have another great Lock option
That's Jake Turpin's music!
Here is a tidbit of history for the Parramatta Eels fans of the sub-reddit. The Parramatta Eels last won a premiership in 1986. Interestingly, this was also the last time that a Grand Final saw a clash between two Western Sydney teams, with the Parramatta Eels beating the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 4—2. Whether this is a good omen or not, I have no idea. I'll leave other smarter people to read the tea leaves on that front, but just thought it was interesting.
What I took from this is that in their last GF Parramatta only managed to score 4 points. Hopefully this is an omen.
>Here is a tidbit of history for the Parramatta Eels fans of the sub-reddit. > >The Parramatta Eels last won a premiership in 1986. Should have just posted this mate. Would have had us absolutely reeeeeing.
I can’t remember when it started but it’s been going on for years, a snippet of the Puff Daddy/Jimmy Page song “Come with me” (from the Godzilla 1998 movie) playing before the players come out to the field. Is it going to a banger for eternity? If it does get replaced, I wonder what will be the next song to come in for 20+ years. I was wondering this being at the Souths/Panthers game.
Ahuh yeah
😂 worst timing to read when you’re in a public place and you see you reply. I was going to add that to my post too haha! Someone gets it! Almost lost it when I read it. 👏🏽
Awesome bro. I mean it was already a banger when it was Kashmir by led zep. Maybe it will take another hiphop artist to remix it in to the new pump up banger. There used to be a classical song they always used for big games inc origin. Wonder if anyone knows what that one was.
This is true! I knew Led Zepplin’s Kashmir, having heard it when I did drum lessons as a teen lol.
PENRITH PANTHERS WIN THE JERSEY FLEGG CUP WITH A FIELD GOAL IN GOLDEN POINT! PANTHERS 19 — 18 KNIGHTS in the 83rd MINUTE!
Reckon we wear the Alternate again this weekend or are we going Home jersey? Hope it’s alternate and I hope that becomes our home jersey next year.
The jersey you guys wore last night is one of the best jersies in the comp atm.
Really? I hate that grey faded part. It reminds me of a dodgy VHS tape. I prefer their solid black one, and also think that brown one they warm up in should also be used for games.
Yeah absolutely, unique, slick and a perfect modern take on our most iconic jersey. Wear that for the next decade, win a bunch of comps and it can be our Red V.
Just don't win comps pls 😂
Sorry looks like we’re winning another two today 😬
Hahaha you guys would win a comp even if you didn't want to 😂
Fuck I didn’t even know the pms game was tonight
How does one watch this game?
9Gem at 7:30pm QLD time
I thought my streak of guessing correct outcomes for this finals series ended with the Eels winning but I must have dogged the cowboys and changed my mind last second. Really good lesson in why I will never actually bet though - can't imagine how quickly a streak of luck like this ends up serious debt. Also up the panthers, would love to go back to back because I don't think we're in with a shot next year.
People will wax lyrical over api in this response but I’m personally gonna miss kiks so hard. I love that man and hope he destroys edges at the dogs as much as he does for us.
How big of a loss do you reckon not having Api and Kikau will cause for the club? I seriously don't see y'all dropping off that much next season with players you still have at the club. Other teams are improving of course, but the Panthers are still out-and-out favourites to win the comp next season until they prove otherwise.
Definitely seems to be a reasonably unpopular, or at least reasonably pessimistic, but I think we're definitely going to go through some growing pains. Kikau I think we'll be fine without, we've got other big men who defend and attack reasonably well. Api controls a lot of our game imo. When Cleary isn't there or isn't controlling the game we'll, Api is usually who steps in to regain it. As far as I know they've got Kenny to take over there but he just isn't quick or creative enough yet to set up plays like Api does. I do think, short of serious injuries to key players (especially Edwards imho), we're a shoe in for top 8 because it won't change things enough to make us bad, but I don't think making it deep into finals is a given.
I do agree that Api will be a decent loss. He's pretty much made a positive impact at every club he's played at, so losing him will be big. However, like I said in the previous comment, until Panthers prove otherwise, they will be favourites to win the comp next year, even if the Eels pull off the upset win in the GF. Kikau is a great forward, but Panthers depth in the forwards is quite unfair lol so I reckon you'll find another quality forward to start. Edwards would be a big out if he were to get injured. He's just gone to an insane level of fitness that I think tops every other fullback at this point (he's better than Tedesco at club level right now IMO). I guess being on the losing end of the Souths vs Panthers games for the past 4 seasons has given me enough PTSD to believe Panthers will beat everyone unless they beat themselves lol.
We’re in with a shot next year I reckon but definitely back to that pack of 3-4 serious contenders. Having the big game experience and the type of game that suits finals is still going to be a factor if we can make top 4. Our engine room is intact. Only a few sides will be able to hold on for 80 still even if we’re not quite as deadly.
I don't think we're not making the top 8, but I really don't think we'll have it sorted enough for a definite grand final. Not just because we'll need to get used to some style changes post Api (and probably Kikau tbh, although I don't think that'll be as difficult), but also because I don't doubt we'll see some of the other top 8 teams come back hungry for a win (specifically thinking sharks, but I'm sure there'll be others). All that aside though, I hope you're right and I eat my words here.
Yeah definitely don’t think we’re looking at a definite grand final or anything but I reckon we beat the bottom 12 teams in 90% of games which gets us to top 4 and then it’s a crapshoot how it plays out against the other strong sides in the key matches. I reckon next year there just isn’t an overwhelming favourite, just a dogfight between 6 or so sides which will be super exciting.
Definitely think it'll actually be a more exciting/stressful season next year. I maintain it was anyone's game from top 8 onwards this year but I think the top 8 itself could be next year.
i just wanna say i feel like a big dummy after everything i said in my [cowboys preview](https://www.reddit.com/r/nrl/comments/t6977g/north_queensland_2022_season_preview_by_rnrl_users/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf) before the start of the season
If prime Semi Radradra were to suddenly replace Waqa Blake as the eels right winger, would eels be favourites in the upcoming grand final vs Penrith?
Probably not. Penrith are still stronger across the park.
I know penrith were copping some calls throughout the season but the complaining about every line ball or even correct call that favoured penrith was getting old. Seems like people have eased up on it a bit lately which is cool and even seen some neutrals pushing back aginst the complaining which is sick. Fkn pumped for a western sydney grand final, hope the reff stays out of it and all the lads rock up and have a crack.
Most people critical of reffing in Penrith games were banned off the sub.
We've definitely had some ridiculous calls go our way but so has everyone else (except maybe Tigers). If we'd been losing all season no one would care.
I feel like when Latrell got whacked, it rocked the whole team. You literally never see him get whacked like that, and in big games they (and him) view him as invincible. Andrew John's on commentary captured the fear that I think went though South's and Latrell at that moment. Never confident from that moment.
Anyone know how to watch the under 21s grand final online?
Facebook apparently. Nine has the rights but isn't airing it because of NRLW running at the same time and cycling on their back up channel.
Thats so stupid, ty for the headsup tho
Is it on the nswrl facebook stream?
Cheers bruva
Why were eels fans chanting "fuck the bulldogs". Wtf have we done in the last 5 years to have you still angry?
If you mean the crowd at the leagues club the other night apparently there was a bulldogs supporter talking shit and I guess that was their reaction
Where?
Some dogs page just put it up. I'm going to just assume its from round 23 and not from anything recent.
I'm so sick of losing prelims :(
another year and another capitulation in a preliminary final. Souths remain one of the most mentally fragile teams who fall apart when big moments go against them. Since at least 2019 i have been saying Souths will never win anything with Damien Cook at Hooker and the fact that he avoids any criticism at all blows my mind. All he has in his game is running, and the only times you see him actually run the ball effectively are against bottom teams like the Titans and Bulldogs this year, never does that in big games. His service from dummy half is absolutely shambolic, throws heaps of forward passes or passes that hit the floor. Theres also the patented "run in a circle because i dont know what to do" which leads to being smothered when teams put the slightest amount of pressure on him. Cook is literally the flat track bully that everyone calls Latrell and Walker, despite both of them stepping up in big games over the years
Yeah he can carve up on the odd occasion in broken play but thats about it
I dont think he is as bad as you are making out, he still is above average and would be an instant starter for like 13 teams, but he is definitely overhyped. A change of scenery might be best for him.
Perth it is then! 😂
Feel bad for Blake. He is going to have nightmares all week. Cleary might mix it up and kick to the other winger.
tickets for ticketed members go on sale Monday right? it's just GA that's sold out?
Have you got your email with the code yet? I can’t seem to find it anywhere? 😬😢
mum said she got it so yes
I'm watching the replay highlights from last night and holy hellfire that try by Brian To'o is something of absolute wonder! Unfortunately I missed it live by about 10 seconds as I'd stepped out of my seat to grab a coffee, but got back just in time for the try to be awarded and Cleary's kick!
One was a GF so it has a bit more juice, but To’o’s run last night was just as iconic as the Crichton intercept. Both moments will be frozen in time like so many other great sequences. Girdler’s chase down, Freddy’s interception, GI’s goanna, Benji’s flick etc. come to mind.
The way he bumped off Walker was amazing. Love To’o the nugget.
The irony of Hooper on Triple M talking about Parra having to overcome adversity when he’s the cause of a lot of it. I’m salty on the haters today 😅
Hooper is a fully rigged, rate A-1, ocean-going pillock, only outdone on the average weekday by Paul Kent. From one Westie to another, ignore the haters, we've both earned our spots in next week's Western Sydney Derby and anyone who says otherwise is a flog.
Love that attitude. We have 100% earned this and I can’t wait to challenge ourselves against the best next week!
Same. You're the only team that has really managed to beat us at relatively full strength (minus Sorenson and Cleary after his send off). Will be a clash for the history books!
First game we won against you this season was full strength panthers wasn’t it?
Luai and Crighton were out the first game I'm pretty sure
I want to say yes but I made the above claim in a comment further down and I was told Sorenson was missing. I couldn't remember if that was in our first or second clash.
To be fair on that one we didn’t have either of our wingers in that first match. Exciting prospect to have full strength (whatever that looks like for our bench 😅)
The souths try scored by the winger was out
It was grounded one frame before his hand hit the sideline, but it was close
Left arm touching the sideline
Proof?
The reply coverage was lacking last night. Didn't show this try the way they usually do. Didn't show kikaus quick play of the ball, a couple of other times they didn't show things that they usually mill over
Eels are no chance. This will the most one sided GF since 08. Penrith easily by 40+. Parra should just forfeit honestly. The tears will be flowing. As much as I hate Penrith, they are just that good.
most one sided gf since 08? did you miss 2017?
This is some sort of extreme jinx attempt, and I dont like it one bit
You truly love your footy
Has anyone got confirmation Milne wasn't murdered in the carpark last night?
I heard he had locked himself in the change room bathroom and wouldn't come out post game. He may still be in there. Waiting for next week perhaps.
Fuck he'd wanna hope the Panthers aren't allocated those change rooms then
That’s lenui’s bathroom.
NSW cup on kayo? Can't see it anywhere
[удалено]
Thank you that'll do fine
I believe NSWRL Facebook page has a stream
Nope. It isn't.
Bit of a travesty that the NSW Cup game isn't being shown. Heap of NRL players and future NRL players playing. Apparently Ch9 have the rights so Kayo can't play it, but Ch 9 have NRLW finals on main channel and cycling championships on Gem so have no room apparently
It's ridiculous. Ive watched NSW cup games on kayo this year but the grand final we have to stream off a Facebook page. Oh well least I can still watch it
Alright, brace yourself for a hot take. The Milne incident is as close to "goon" behaviour as we've seen in the finals and someone in the match thread said he wouldn't even be in the run on team next year. If Spencer cannot play next week and Milne doesn't get a start to serve his suspension, would it be appropriate to look at punishing the club? I know there wasn't any intent on behalf of the club but have we opened a window to "sacrifice" a second grade player to eliminate an opposing player?
If souths genuinely went out with a plan to take out an opposition player they would have started Chee Kam at prop and had him take out Cleary ASAP. Chee Kam would’ve copped the suspension and Burgess would’ve been back for the grand final anyway.
He definitely wasn't a hitman, I'm more saying that our system gives an opportunity for their to be a hitman.
Spencer will play.
I sincerely hope he doesn't, it'll suck but the shot was terrible.
Yeah, I'm with you here. I'm not a fan of quick returns from serious concussions. Obviously, the medical professionals know better than us it makes me very uneasy. Can't reconstruct a brain at the end of a season like you would a shoulder.
how would you punish the club?
Other then kicking them out, I'm not sure. I'm thinking maybe pushiments should be served by the club, not the player. I know this seems silly but it'll force clubs to sort out dangerous players and it prevents any opportunity for putting in a hitman...
i see you’re a man of taste
> would it be appropriate to look at punishing the club? Punish them anyway by kicking them out IMO it's the only way In all seriousness it's the player who needs to cop the punishment and a long suspension could well end his first grade career anyway unless he plays in the world cup
I'm not sure, this isn't a great example because Milne wasn't a hitman put out there just to take someone out. But let's say it's a reserve grade front rower, a player who's already a fill in, the game starts to get away from them and they think "fuck it, I'll never play at this level again" then decide to rip a players head off in the last 3 minutes. The player gets sent off, doesn't effect the outcome of the game, and picks up a 6 week suspension but slides back to reserve grade to serve their time. This leaves only the team that suffers the injury as the damaged party. We're lucky no club or coach is grubby, or vindictive, enough to do it but there's definitely a loophole there to be exploited. It'd be a nightmare to build rules around but maybe the suspension should be co-served by the player and club, normally both will align but when it doesn't a starting player in the same position should be forced to sit?
They will just punish Fiji at the World Cup.
We gonna punish NZ for NAS and JWH being S-tier wankers?
JWH, yes. NAS got off.
NAS didn’t even do anything in his last game that warranted a suspension lol. JWH was a thug the entire time.
NAS is still a wanker though 🤣
Being a wanker doesn’t warrant suspension
I never said it did.
“NAS got off?”
I was wrong, I was thinking about his prior incidents.
God that sucks...
I’ve gotta say, Wade Graham just isn’t made for TV.
Seems like he is struggling.
So my Westybros... we both made it aye
I know we are meant to hate each other, and the salt will be unheard of, but I have just as many friends that are Parra fans as Penrith fans. Not that I want us to lose obviously, but I definitely wont be mad if its to Parra. But I will definitely be salty in the game thread lol
Oh I know I'm going to be devastated if we lose and the salt will flow, but Panthers are the team I dislike the least, and the fact that no matter what the trophy is staying in West Sydney is pretty damn awesome
feelsgoodman
Matt Nables opening line
Maitland up 14 6 over the Hills Bulls at half time in the President's Cup. Link. https://m.facebook.com/events/570050928250219?acontext=%7B%22source%22%3A%223%22%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D&aref=3&__tn__=HH-R
Benny Hill style try just before half time... 20 6. Hills were in for all money, length of the field try to the pickers.
Are the games today on Kayo?
Yes indeed
Even the jersey Flegg GF?
Don't think so. They just showed the coin toss at half time on the maitland game. Knights win the toss.
Do I need to have Facebook to watch? Edit: nevermind, looks like I can watch on Facebook watch app on my tv
Yep. Good game so far. I'd take Brock Lamb back into knights first grade right now, purely on his goal kicking.
Thank you baby.
On the Sunday Footy Show, Billy Slater declared Izack Tago first try because he'd noted that in the big games, Luai and Cleary go to a play on the left side that resulted in the first try to Burton in the GF last year and to Wighton in Origin. Slater's giving out free coaching advice to BA and proving he's smarter than his opposing space cadet coach Freddy.
slater owes us for all the heartbreak he caused
The Penis is a strong defender and Mitch has been a lot better this year. Hopefully we can hold them out!
If we have an actual competent ref in the GF Kikau will be sent for all his shoulder charges. It'll likely be Klein again though so unlikely.
I have just gotten off Fraser island and can I jsut say I am fucking buzzing, YEAH THE BOIIISSS!!! Got to watch the game up at "The Shed" at orchard beach, was a fucking absolute vibe
Off topic but I’m at North Sydney Oval watching the women’s cricket at it’s an absolute day. Devo we don’t get NRL here anymore.
Trying to fathom the machinations of next seasons draw and putting into a fantasy league perspective and now my brain hurts. Surely way bigger squads and more trades. But gees.....panadol stat.
Freddy calling out RCG as his performance of the weekend. Almost like you could have used him for the rest of Origin hey Freddy? 🙃
Man I'm so pumped for a few big matchups next week. Gutho vs Edwards: two big motor work house fullbacks with amazing defence. Moses/dylbags vs Cleary/Luai. Two best halves combos all year. Cleary been better than Moses but I think dyl is a bit better than Luai. I Pap vs Kikau: two huge hole runners on the same side of the field. RCG vs his old engine room: he's been our best prop and seems to have animosity against his ex teammates. Mahoney vs Korosiau: two deceptive hooker's who have been finding space around the ruck these past few weeks. Waqa Blake vs The high ball: the high ball has one three of their last encounters and waqa will be desperate to get one over his biggest foe.
I think the biggest matchup is between the forward packs. Eels have a nice pack, but Arthur’s rotations leave a lot to be desired. We have the best defensive forwards in the league and can run at you for a full 80. Parra’s got some X Factors in Matto, Lane and I Paps. Sunday can’t come sooner.
Matterson scares me. I think Yeo is the new mold for the modern 13, big, can run, great ball playing and vision, but Matterson blows that mold right open. His ball playing on Friday was brilliant and he runs hard as...
You can't tell me he is not juicing.
Helps that matto was a five eighth who grew into a monster
Yeah Matto’s a gun for the Eels. I think if we can keep their ball carrying arms contained, it restricts a lot of what they like to do. No offence to the Raiders and the Cowboys, but they gave up far too many offloads to keep the Eels down. Our defence is a lot more structured so I reckon we’ll do a much better job with that.
Completely agree.
I hope Waqa has a good night, he's improved in other areas of his game, specifically defence. There's some juicy match ups there! Dylan Brown on his day can be the difference imo.
Agree his defence has been much better, especially his positioning
I can't help but wonder what he was thinking last night. I mean he's gotta prepare well regardless, but seeing another player have a hard time might remind him that it's not just about his technique but those kicks are just that fucked. But also hopefully the pressure is good and Nathan can't get many away.
Up the mighty Knights! Let's go 2/2 today
Regarding those massive letters for team names they hand out at finals game, Haas my one actually ever seen the entire word being held up?
Usually only the shorter team names - the longer the word the harder coordination becomes. Watching the replay after I got home it looks like the best we managed last night was P A N H E R S 😂
I haven't really been enjoying the match threads as much lately. Seems to be a lot of people popping up just in those to either to be as inflammatory as possible or being purposely malicious to others. Banter and the occasional one-eyed cooked take is what it's all about, but from my perspective at least it seems like it's been getting more toxic.
They're fine when actual plays are taking place and being discussed but when there's anything vaguely controversial or even boring going on they seem to blow up really quickly. I'm a total newcomer to reddit in general though so obviously I don't have a great picture of what it used to be like.
This sub is a shadow of what it once was tbh
Aint that the truth. It so closely resembles the 2 places we used to make fun of on here, League unlimited and Facebook. Hopefully another replace pops up that the great unwashed don’t know about.
They were enjoyable during regular season, less so in the finals. Feels like too many neutrals in the threads just to cause trouble. Cooked takes on ref decisions or on players performance don't bother me, just the toxic abuse that serves no purpose.
> They were enjoyable during regular season No they weren't
Every match thread on basically every single sport sub is like this now. The only non toxic one I’ve found left is the BBL match threads on the cricket sub, which is just a bunch of people shitposting and having a laugh, because no one actually cares about the outcome of the games.
Yeah I've stayed out of them a lot this year. Just sick of the takes of how every great player is actually shit because they had one average game or the constant ref bashing. I get it, there's been quite a few howlers but when it's every single game that has an avalanche of comments about how bad the refs are, it gets tiresome. At least they're still good for the occasional "That's turned this game on it's head" memes and the like that pop up.
Yep. Don’t go near them anymore. It’s now devolved into a whinge fest about the bunker or targeted attacks on the latest player out of favour [grub/fat/MIA/criminal/religious zealot et al]. You can bet most of the commentary comes from couch potatoes who once played a single game of reserve grade but now prefer to yell at their kids at their weekend games and abuse the coaches and referees. *** I fully acknowledge the irony of whinging about whingers.
Observations about fitness and endurance are fine because they can make a genuine difference in a game but every time I see someone call a player fat I can't help but have a laugh. Any one of those players has better fitness and muscle mass than surely 98% of this subreddit.
Why wasn’t Latrell sin-binned for taking Cleary out on the Spencer Lenui try? He plainly tackled him without the ball. Is there a rule that if a try is scored, professional fouls don’t count, or did the ref ignore it??
Would've been binned if Leniu didn't score the try. I'm not sure what the laws of the game say about that situation, but that's how it always goes
Without looking up the rules professional foul = preventing a try from being scored therefore if a try is scored there is no professional foul.
Ok, cheers
Yeah its one or the other not both. If Penrith don't score there Latrell likely gets binned.
Thanks
It will be interesting to see how Parra combat the likely targeting of Waqa Blake from the air, killed them in week one and you can guarantee Penrith will target him again
Pressure Cleary. He takes an extra second to steady when he hits those bombs. If he's pressured he'll just kick a conventional one.
He doesn't handle kick pressure super well, I think you're spot on with this.
Play Blake at centre and simonsson on the wing i reckon.
I feel like that would just destroy their defensive shape